2011...a Retrospective

2011 has been a pretty good year for me. I didn't keep an exact tally of all the garments I made, but looking in my closet and seeing mostly me-made items tell I'm on the right track. I made the Jalie jeans (which are now too big...happy or sad??? Not sure) Probably my favorites would include the Jalie Scarf tops, cardigans and Vogue 1250, considering I made multiples of all in rapid succession.

I also was fortunate to be a test stitcher for Sewaholic's Minoru jacket. What a great pattern! Tasia really has a finger on the pulse of pattern development and I love my first "muslin" jacket. I have another cut out and ready to sew. Here is the original:

Other highlights of 2011 include meeting Gaylen (sorry, not a picture one was taken to commemorate the event) and of course our trip last month to visit the kids and cheer for Sara at her original marathon in Athens, Greece!

Getting to spend time with this little man was a big highlight of the trip. He really loves his Pop!

I vaguely remember a goal last year to step up my knitting. I became a mad sock knitter over the summer and cranked out multiple pairs while traveling back and forth to LaPine (when Tom was driving...I don't support knitting and driving at the same time!) I just tackled 2 socks at a time, even though everyone at the fire station made fun of my attempts! I'm happy to report I got past the difficulty of the cast on and the socks are looking pretty good, despite the fact that my circulars are old and stiff. I just ordered some ChiaoGoo circulars with a 47" cord so I can magic loop them and do 2 socks with one needle. Crazy, huh? I made a lace scarf and several cowls this Fall. I was able to purchase steal a yarn stash from a gal who was leaving the country to teach English in an Asian country. Sadly I have made a big dent in that stash and need to seek out more fiber. Luckily that is not a problem.  I tackled cables and yes Gaylen, you were right...they're not that difficult! The embroidery business kept me busier than I would like, but I can't complain...well I can, sewing for others seriously cuts into my sewing time for me, but at least people like what I do, so that's nice. I just wish they wouldn't dream up all these wild impossible tasks for me to do!
Tom bought me an iphone for Christmas and who knew...I love it! I keep my phone charged now at all times. I play Words with Friends. Sara is majorly kicking my butt, but she always was good with words!
I can't really think of anything negative about 2011. I'm sure there were times, but most of the time my memory sees the glass over half full. There may be something to this getting old thing! I am not going to set any resolutions (although I would be happy if 10 pounds just dropped off!), but my wish for 2012 is to be healthy, happy and productive! Happy New Year!!!



Merry Christmas Blog Friends!

I want to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my blog friends. Thank you for a year of laughs, tears, and inspiration...I enjoy reading all about your adventures. This Christmas is pretty low key for us...Tom is on duty at the station, so we will be enjoying our fire family this year. We skyped with Sara and Colt yesterday and Colt was just precious! He said "Pop" (which is synonymous with grandpa in our family) for the first time and his Pop was ecstatic! What a great Christmas gift! I finished up the last Christmas present yesterday and while it was embroidering I whipped out a Jalie long sleeve T-shirt out of that snakeskin fabric I bought a couple months ago. There were other sewing jobs I could have worked on, but sometimes you just have to do something for yourself! We kicked back and watched Mission Impossible 3 in preparation for going to see MI4-Ghost Protocol sometime this next week. I smoked some trout and roasted some caulifower for dinner that was delish and then we read until we I couldn't stay awake anymore! This morning I have a CPR class to attend (Yep...CPR class on Christmas...what better gift than the gift of life) and then it will be dinner prep. Tom is smoking a rib roast and everyone else is chipping in with their best dishes! I am doing the broccoli salad, garlic mashed potatoes and of course fresh baked rolls...Jason and Janice are bringing some other delectable dishes and even the student volunteered to bring dessert! And two little girls for Jo to entertain in his Santa suit! Love my firehouse family! Better get a move on...have a very happy holiday my blog friends!

Gone, but not Forgotten

I have been really absent from the blogging world, but it has not been forgotten. This is a busy time of year for everyone. Santa's helper has been busy up in the studio, and though I have not taken pictures of everything I've done (some things have been ripped out from under the presser foot and wrapped immediately for delivery), some of the recipients have posted pictures on FB that I have been able to rip off  glean. My friend Nancy works tirelessly as a foster Mom to find homes for abandoned dogs, mostly pitbulls. I made her a sweatshirt because she is special (and I don't mean in that derogatory drawn out "spec-i-i-a-a-l tone either!)

 What's not to love about Ruberta?

Ruberta needs a home!

La perrita Ruberta anela ayar su propia familia para disfrutar las siestas y las fiestas. Tiene Usted campo para una nueva amigita peluda?

Or Little Raggedy Ruby?

How about Grandma Ruby?

I'm happy to report that Ruby found her forever family thanks to Nancy's diligent work (and play) with Ruby. Here's what she looks like when she's not in cognito...

This story has a happy ending, but not all shelter dogs have a Nancy as a champion. Remember to check the shelter when looking for a new furry companion. There are alot of animals waiting to be loved. And if you're not looking to increase your herd this holiday season...love the furbabies you already have at home...it comes back to you in wags and kisses!

A Smart Phone...

Tom bought me an iPhone for Christmas. I said "Maybe I'll keep my phone charged now.". He said "The phone is smart"...right before I smacked him! I love that man!!!

A Good Occupy Morning

With only a morning to occupy my sewing room, I set lofty goals to accomplish. I'm happy to report it was a good morning to occupy the studio, as I finished 4 Christmas presents for some of the wee ones in my life.

No worries...I don't think any of them read my blog. These blankets were fun to make and I hope the kids enjoy wrapping up in their luscious softness. Who doesn't like a fuzzy blanket? I wish I had more time to occupy, but alas I must go get ready for work. There's always tomorrow...

Occupy Movement

Check this out...this is an Occupy Movement I can get behind... http://catpatches.blogspot.com/p/occupy-your-sewing-room.html

Best Laid Plans...

Yeah...we know how that goes. I came down with a pukey illness on Wednesday, missed work (hate that) and spent my day off recovering. No sewing! BAH! But my weekend starts tonight...holiday party and then maybe some sewing tomorrow? A girl can only hope! To be continued...